7 great getaways

We’d pack our bags and head to these destinations anytime

Now, don’t get us wrong: We love calling the Charlotte area our home. Sometimes, though, our minds do stray to other places in the States and abroad. Are any of these destinations on your list of faves?

Antigua. Incredibly beautiful, the Caribbean island of Antigua is blessed with mesmerizing blue waters and – count ’em – 365 white-sand beaches.

Photo courtesy of Constance Brossa

Hang gliding at Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chattanooga, Tenn. Outdoorsy types will love the Volunteer State’s fourth-largest – and perhaps most active – city. You don’t have to travel far to go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River or hang gliding off Lookout Mountain. 

Calgary, Canada. A party city full of youthful energy, Calgary’s nightlife is truly electric. The locals are welcoming, and they love our Southern accents.

New Orleans. There’s no better place to find soulful music and food that warms your heart. Your visit won’t be complete unless you see the French Quarter.

Riviera Maya, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The city is eager to serve tourists and is surprisingly fast paced. The tropical setting, however, is every bit as beautiful as you’d expect it to be.

Shanghai, China. With a population of 23 million, this place is the truest definition of a metropolis. Only one thing rivals the multitude of skyscrapers: the amazing variety of worldwide cuisine. 

Photo by Constance Brossa

En route to Siracusa, Sicily, Italy.

Siracusa, Sicily, Italy. One of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization, Siracusa is home to Mount Etna, the tallest volcano in the world. Cruise ship visitors have been lucky enough to eat four-course lunches at Siracusa’s Casabianca Farms, which date to the 1800s.